Loapi — this Trojan is hot!

Virus writers are creating all sorts of unpleasantness for Android device owners. We all know about the theft of personal data that later turns up on the black market. And about money leaking out of credit cards. But what about a Trojan that can make your device literally go up in smoke? Well, it’s here.

How does jack-of-all-trades Loapi operate

Users pick up the Loapi Trojan by clicking on an ad banner and downloading a fake AV or adult-content app (the most likely vehicles for this Trojan). After installation, Loapi demands administrator rights — and it doesn’t take no for an answer; notification after notification appears on the screen until the desperate user finally gives in and taps OK.

If the smartphone owner later tries to deprive the app of administrator rights, the Trojan locks the screen and closes the settings window. And if the user tries to download apps that genuinely protect the device (for example, a real AV, not a fake one), Loapi declares them to be malware and demands their removal. Another notification to that effect pops up endlessly, until the user throws in the towel.

Icons of fake apps in which Loapi conceals itself

Because of Loapi’s modular structure, it can switch functions on the fly at a remote server’s command, downloading and installing the necessary add-ons all by itself. Let’s take a look at some consequences of an encounter with the new Trojan.

1. Unwanted ads

Loapi relentlessly plagues the owner of the infected smartphone with banner and video ads. This module of the Trojan can also download and install other apps, visit links, and open pages in Facebook, Instagram, and VKontakte — apparently to drive up various ratings.

2. Paid subscriptions

Another module of the Trojan can sign up users to paid services. Such subscriptions usually need to be confirmed by SMS — but that doesn’t stop Loapi either. It has yet another special module that sends a text message to the required number, and does so secretly. What’s more, all messages (both outgoing and incoming) are immediately deleted.

3. DDoS attacks

The Trojan can turn your phone into a zombie and hijack it to use in DDoS attacks against Web resources. To do so, it uses a built-in proxy server and sends HTTP requests from the infected device.

4. Cryptomining

Loapi also uses smartphones to mine Monero tokens. It is this activity that can overheat your device as a result of the prolonged operation of the processor at maximum load. During our research, the battery of the test smartphone overcooked 48 hours after the device was infected.

5. Downloading new modules

Now for the most interesting bit. At the command of a remote center, the malware can download new modules — that is, adapt to any new cash-out strategy its creators develop. For example, one day it might transform into ransomware, spyware, or a banking Trojan. In the code of the current version, our experts discovered functions that have yet to be deployed and are clearly intended for use further down the line.

How to protect yourself from the Loapi Trojan

As is often the case, prevention is better than cure. To avoid swallowing the malware bait, observe some simple rules.

Install apps only from official stores. Google Play has a dedicated team responsible for catching mobile malware. Trojans do occasionally infiltrate official stores, but the chances of encountering one there are far lower than on dubious sites.

Disable the installation of apps from unknown sources for added security. To do so, in Settings go to Security and ensure that the Unknown sources check box is not selected.

Don’t install what you don’t really need. As a general rule, the fewer applications you install, the more secure your device is.

Get a reliable and proven AV for Android and regularly scan your device with it. Even free applications, such as the basic version of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, offer good protection.

Leonid Grustniy

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